Suspended WAMCO chief travels abroad on official visit

Managing Director of Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO), Yusuf Siraj, is on an official visit abroad despite him being suspended for allegedly interfering in an ongoing investigation of a sexual harassment case against a former senior official of the company.

The Privatisation and Corporatisation Board (PCB), the custodian of government companies, on Wednesday relieved Siraj of his duties for a period of 14 days.

Atoll Times has learnt that Siraj had left to China on an official visit after his suspension.

When contacted, Siraj remained unavailable for comment as he did not respond to phone calls. WAMCO, too, did not want to officially comment on the issue.

WAMCO’s Anti-Sexual Harassment and Abuse Committee is looking into allegations of sexual harassment against a former general manager of the company.

According to the PCB, Siraj got involved in the case and changed the enquiry committee. The chairperson of the enquiry committee was replaced, it said.

In a letter to Siraj, the PCB said that Siraj has also vested interests in the sexual harassment case. WAMCO board decided not to involve him in the case, but Siraj had also violated that, the board said.

The PCB sees the actions of the head of the company as a violation of the Provisions of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Abuse Act and the code of corporate governance. After conducting an enquiry into the matter, it was concluded: